Indian Railways has introduced parcel vans to transport Kashmir’s fruits to Jammu and Delhi, providing crucial support to growers amid disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
In a significant development for fruit growers in the Kashmir Valley, Indian Railways has deployed two dedicated parcel vans to facilitate the transport of fresh produce to Jammu and Delhi. This initiative comes at a critical time when the region’s horticulture sector is grappling with substantial losses due to the ongoing closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), which has been affected by landslides and persistent rains.
Railway officials confirmed that the two vans departed from Budgam Railway Station on Thursday morning. One van is destined for Delhi, while the other is headed to Jammu, both carrying substantial consignments of the Valley’s renowned apples.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the produce of local growers doesn’t go to waste,” said a senior railway official at Budgam. “It’s a significant step to support the horticulture economy of Kashmir during this critical time.”
For the past two weeks, fruit-laden trucks have faced severe challenges, with many stuck or forced to turn back due to road blockages. This situation has left traders and farmers distressed, as thousands of tonnes of perishable fruit risked spoiling without viable transport options.
Local fruit growers have welcomed the railway’s initiative and expressed hope that such services could become a permanent feature during harvest seasons. “This has given us hope,” remarked a grower from Shopian. “Rail transport is faster and more dependable, especially when the highway gets blocked.”
Officials indicated that if this initiative proves successful both logistically and economically, there may be plans to expand parcel services to additional destinations, potentially including major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.
The introduction of rail transport for fruit exports is being viewed as a game-changer for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which plays a vital role in the Union Territory’s economy. By providing an alternative to the frequently closed highway, the rail service could become a lifeline for fruit exports in upcoming seasons.
Source: Original article